Enchanting Winter Adventures: Discover Fairytale Castles and Chateaus to Escape the Mundane!
At the estate manager’s home in Nové Hrady
Nové Hrady Castle will once more welcome visitors on the Advent weekends this year. The castle gives a glimpse into the festive spirit of the early 1900s, showcasing how people celebrated Christmas during that time, whether in the castle, the chateau, or at their cottages. You can discover all this through the second tour route available on November 29 and 30, December 6 and 7, December 13 and 14, 2025 at 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00. If you miss these tours, there will be an opportunity to visit after Christmas, from December 28 to 31, with daily tours at the same times.
Starting on November 26, 2025, you can also enjoy the Winter tour route, which features the Clerk’s Apartment route showcasing the typical living conditions of a middle-class family at the end of the 19th century. This route also includes part of the first tour route found in the tower above the entrance gate, which contains the library and the Buquoy family archives. Tours are typically conducted Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:00 AM.
Christmas tours at Červená Lhota
The management of the Červená Lhota State Chateau warmly invites you to the Schönburg Christmas 2025. You will have the chance to explore the castle as it appeared during Christmas, when it was home to the Schönburg-Hartenstein princely family. Discover how this family celebrated the winter season, what was prepared for Christmas dinner, and what gifts were placed under the tree. Moreover, the guides will share insights into old Christmas customs and their backgrounds, ensuring everyone learns something interesting. As part of your castle tour, you can also independently view a nativity scenes exhibition. This exhibition is available on Saturdays and Sundays starting from the second weekend of Advent, specifically on December 6 and 7, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. It will also remain open during the post-Christmas period, from December 27 to 30.
Schwarzenberg Christmas in Třeboň
From 1895 to 1922, Třeboň Castle was a well-loved Christmas retreat for the Hluboka-Krumlov family, particularly for the princely couple Adolf Josef and Ida and their children. The family used to gather here to celebrate the holidays together in a warm, private setting. In Třeboň, which was their first property in Bohemia, they felt closest to their ancestors, for whom they constructed a neo-Gothic tomb behind the Svět pond. During Advent and Christmas, you can view the beautifully decorated and fragrant princely apartments on route B.
Special children’s tours called Christmas visit to the Princess will be conducted on December 6 and 7 and from December 30 to January 2. Accompanied by the Princess, the children will explore the festively adorned castle while learning about its history and Christmas traditions. The weekend of December 13 and 14 will focus on holiday tours A princely Christmas at the dawn of the century, highlighting how the Schwarzenberg family celebrated Christmas over time. These tours will be held in collaboration with the Kajetán Třeboň Theatre Association.
Visit the live nativity scene or the bears in Krumlov
The second courtyard of Krumlov Castle will come alive on December 23 with a live nativity scene featuring a Biblical display and joyful Christmas carols. You can also visit the castle on Christmas Eve, which is December 24, for the exciting Bear Christmas celebration! This special event includes giving gifts to the local bears—thirty-five-year-old Maria Theresa and her playful eight-year-old bear cubs, Willem and Polyxena—who will enjoy a beautifully decorated tree filled with treats. Their favorite snacks include grapes, apples, and fish oil. You are welcome to bring edible gifts like cakes, cookies, Christmas candies, fruits, vegetables, or honey until 1:00 PM, during which Mr. Bear will check the gifts to ensure they are safe for the bears. Just on Christmas Eve, the bear enclosure will be open for curious visitors, while the bears will be waiting patiently in their den. Special festive treats like this are rare since bears normally follow a healthier diet.
Český Krumlov is enchanting during this season, enhanced by new light installations throughout the town. Additionally, the traditional Advent market will take place on Svornosti Square, complemented by a live nativity scene.
Winter routes in Český Krumlov and Hluboká
The Castle Museum in Český Krumlov is operating almost year-round for its ninth winter season. Here, history and culture lovers can enjoy pleasant and informative moments in the oldest part of the Krumlov residence known as the “Castle of Krumlov”. This castle features a tower located in the second courtyard of the chateau. It is open daily except Mondays from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM until December 21. From December 22 to January 1, this circuit is closed.
Until December 21, visitors can also explore the winter tour of Hluboká Castle. This includes a guided view of nine rooms of the private apartments belonging to the last four generations of the estate’s owners—the Schwarzenbergs. The rooms are kept warm during winter. The castle is open daily except Mondays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the last tour starting at that time.
Every Advent weekend (always on Saturdays) in Hluboká nad Vltavou, they host events under the church called Angel Hluboká, featuring a Christmas Market, delicious food, and a variety of activities on stage. The Christmas-lit zoo will shine bright again this year, transforming into a captivating place filled with light installations.
The heart of the South Bohemian fairy-tale Advent is typically in České Budějovice
This year’s market features an expanded area for enjoying refreshments called U Stromečku with a new punch room, providing extra comfort and new unique stands. A new tin cup, created in collaboration with the České Budějovice enamel factory Belis (formerly known as Sphinx), will be a stylish keepsake from this season.
The Advent activities also include a handy pocket Advent Guide, which helps visitors navigate the attractions, new features, and accompanying events. New decorations and lighting—such as metal signposts and light lamps—will enhance the festive ambiance. A significant moment will be the unveiling of a statue of Cinderella, crafted from the wood of last year’s Christmas tree based on designs by fans. This unique piece honors Libuše Šafránková and pays tribute to Czech tradition, kindness, and the fairy tales that are integral to Christmas. Additionally, there will be popular concerts, a craft market, a carved nativity scene, a bell tower, a photo booth, and a Ferris wheel. Smaller markets, exhibitions, and theatrical performances will brighten the festive atmosphere in the surrounding streets.
